Copán

Archaeological evidence from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán reveals that human settlement in the fertile Copan Valley began between 1100 and 900 B.C., with early inhabitants transitioning from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agriculture due to cultural exchanges. By 400 B.C., these communities coalesced into the Mayan Empire, marking a significant political and cultural unification that endured for over 1,400 years. The study highlights the long-term impact of inter-civilizational contact on societal development in Mesoamerica.

(Ed.). (2013). Copán. The Americas, 192–195. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315073828-50